To the Editorial Team: As a proud Alderwoman of Kingston, I am writing to express my strong support for the reform of New York's Tier 6 pension system. As we work to build a sustainable future for our public employees and the communities they serve, it is essential that we address the challenges posed by the current pension system.

The Tier 6 pension plan, implemented in 2012, was designed to help alleviate the financial burden on taxpayers while still providing essential retirement benefits for our public workforce. However, it has become increasingly clear that this system is in need of reform to better reflect the realities faced by our dedicated employees.

Our public workers are the backbone of our community, from teachers and police officers to firefighters and sanitation workers. They dedicate their lives to serving us and ensuring our safety and well-being. It is crucial that we provide them with a pension system that is not only fair but also sustainable in the long run. By reforming Tier 6, we can create a more equitable retirement system that encourages recruitment and retention, ultimately benefiting our entire community.

Reforming Tier 6 would also allow us to attract a new generation of public servants who are essential to maintaining the quality of services we rely on. By ensuring a competitive retirement plan, we can recruit the best and brightest individuals to serve our community, which will lead to enhanced public services and a stronger Kingston.

Additionally, reforming the pension system would help to alleviate the financial pressures on our municipalities. By creating a more sustainable and balanced approach to pension funding, we can invest more resources into critical areas such as education, infrastructure, and public safety.

I urge my fellow lawmakers and community members to support the reform of New York's Tier 6 pension system. Together, we can create a fair, sustainable, and competitive retirement plan for our public employees while ensuring the long-term financial health of our communities.

Michele Hirsch

Alderwoman, Ward 9

Majority Leader

City of Kingston Common Council